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(in her 40s)

Top 10 TV Character Fashion Idols

The style of a TV character can set trends emulated across the world, but for me when I admire the style of a TV character it’s more about how their wardrobe contents express their personality and how they wear the clothes. I like outfits that you see and say “oh that’s SO them”. I like outfits that I would probably look terrible in, but look amazing on them. And I definitely like outfits that shouldn’t work, but they somehow do. So don’t go expecting any Sex in the City ladies, Mad Men (though I loved the style of MM) or Rachel Green entries in this list of my personal favourite female TV character fashion idols. It’s an eclectic mix from over several decades, so I hope you enjoy some of the fashions. Oh and let me know, who your favourites are.

Sharon from Catastrophe

Not only is Catastrophe one of the best sitcoms to have come out of the UK in the past few years (it would be in my 20 favourite sitcoms if my blog post here went up to that number), but it also features the very stylish (and relatable) Sharon. She is all about clashing patterns and bold colours and ALWAYS looks great. How many people could rock a transparent yellow bra?

Ilana from Broad City

What I absolutely love about Ilana’s style is how it exudes her confidence. Now, I would look like a freaking mess if I wore any of her outfits, but Ilana just looks effortlessly cool. Or beautiful. Or dapper. Her style is so versatile and lively, and I love it. I mean Cheerios leggings, anyone? Plus she still looks good with a stain permanently on *that* white jacket. Also, kudos to Abbie who also always looks fantastic. As a side note, you won’t find on TV a better representation of female friendship than these two.

Diane Lockhart from The Good Wife

Now if you think that anyone’s style says female power dressing better than Diane Lockhart’s then I’m just going to assume that you’re lying. Her image is flawless. It is perfection. Her style somehow gives you class, intelligence, elegance and “this is a woman not to be messed with” vibes all at the same time. When I grow up (not likely to happen any time soon), I want to be as cool as Diane. Also, you’d have thought after all those years of working together Diane’s sense of style would’ve rubbed off on Alicia. As much as I loved Alicia her style was always woeful.

Aunt Polly from Peaky Blinders

Talking about women not to be messed with I present you with the glorious Aunt Polly. Man, this women can look stylish even when she’s got someone else’s blood on her attire. I adore 1920s fashion, so Aunt Polly’s style is right up my street.

Denise Huxtable from The Cosby Show

Anyone who remembers the 80s/90s well, will remember that Denise Huxtable (and Lisa Bonet) were the epitome of cool. Well, at least I used to think so. Never would I ever be as cool as her, so instead I used to admire the way she just seemingly chucked a load of clothes on her and the ensemble somehow always looked immaculate. I give you 80s boho chic whatever.

Jessa from Girls

Yet another on my list that exudes confidence in whatever she wore and only she could have got away with her chosen attire. Jessa often made her hairstyles a great accessory to her outfits. Plaits, hair swept to one side, tied up or just messy, her hair always looked stunning.

Sybil Fawlty from Fawlty Towers

You cannot be surprised that Sybil is on my list, surely? The woman was an awe-inspiring, delightfully bold and delectable slick with her choice of outfits. She still managed to look stylish in rollers and her nightgown. The hair with a streak of blonde at the front, the make-up with bright blue eye shadow and eyeliner, all finished off with a cigarette permanently in hand. Just perfect.

Myrtle Snow from American Horror Story: Coven

Notice how so many of these incredibly stylish women on this list are women you would not want to pick a fight with. Step forward, Myrtle Snow. Her name suits her style. Quirky, but oh so fabulously and outrageously divine. She even styled out being burnt alive for gawd’s sake [Spoiler soz]

Tracey from Chewing Gum

I’m a big fan of this show and I’m a big fan of girl-next-door Tracey’s style. It’s all bright colours, lots of fun and cutesy plaits and she carries it off effortlessly. In real life, the stunning Michaela Cole (who plays Tracey and who I have bit of a girl crush on) is equally dapper and wears clothes her evidently very clever Mum makes her.

Mylene from The Get Down

Oh Mylene not only do you have the most amazing singing voice, but you really do have the most amazing wardrobe. I’m all about 70’s fashion. Not so much the flared jeans and shapeless floor length dresses, but more for the fantastic prints and patterns. Everything Mylene wears I WOULD wear. Clearly, I wouldn’t look quite as stunning as she does (though let’s admit it I would look pretty fantastic), but I’d be vey happy indeed if I had all of her wardrobe contents. From 70s school girl chic to glamorous singer, Mylene always looks incredible.

So that’s it, my top ten female TV character fashion idols. My favourite would probably be between Myrtle Snow and Mylene. Though a thought has just come to me…how could I forget Bet Lynch?

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54 comments

I’m not a fashion icon. The only consistent accessory I wear is my wedding ring and an elastic band around my wrist to tie up my hair when it inevitably bugs me. BUT, I truly love the way some people can put together an outifit. I love how you curated this list, focusing on how the outfit expresses the character within. The clothes were made by artists, but the person who pulls the outfit together is no less an artist than those who designed the shirt or the cloth it was made from. It’s a grand expression of collaboration between people who don’t know each other personally, but who build on each other’s ideas to create new expressions–while also staying warm and warding off public nudity citations. What a fun post!

Mylene from The Get Down – Incredibly good looking and stylish within her clothing.
This blog proves most interesting as it spans several decades. And it’s that from the get-go that makes it worth reading.

Yes, Sharon!!! When I first see her outfits, I always think to myself, “What is going on here,” but after a second or two, it starts to work. It’s like you said: it’s more about the personality than the actual outfit choice! I really enjoyed this post! 🙂

Fascinating post Hayley. What struck me first in each photo was the face…shape, hairstyle and “attitude.” From there the outfits seemed to just slot into place. Obviously one can’t negate artistic know how in terms of TV roles, makeup and costume roles….or….maybe the makeup and costume can make anyone be anyone else… On proviso the actorial carriage is on the money…the attitude part I referred to. Either that or all actors are shape shifters 🤔

But Sybil…I am now stuck with John Cleese bashing a mini with a leafy branch!

Diane is absolutely a sartorial high point for me- she is so put together, and knows what works for her (or rather, the costumers do haha). Alicia WAS always a fashion misstep for me, it’s like she didn’t own a mirror. She had a lot of shoulder pads happening!… I feel like Aunt Polly always gets left out, the boys get all of the attention with their well cut suits and striking hair- Polly definitely developed her own style, and dare I say, it’s stronger than the men of the show!

I just didn’t get what wardrobe were trying to do with Alicia’s style. So dire. Yes Aunt Polly definitely came into her own with her style. All the men in that programs look so stylish. If I did a male version of this blog, they’d definitely be in it. Cheers x

I’m not sure where my first comment went (and I’m not completely sure what I said…) so here is a brand new comment!
I love this! I didn’t know all the characters but I really love all these outfits. It’s really good that you included some super-old TV shows as well. I’d never noticed how cool the outfits were on the programs I watched as a child!!